Toulouse the dark horses as Super League decide on newcomers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Seven tight-lipped men will this morning put at least two clubs out of their misery by elevating them to Super League. The revolutionary new system of licensing 14 clubs to play in the competition comes to fruition amid a unique degree of secrecy. Only seven people know who is out and who is in, five of them making up the panel that made the decision on Friday.
Of the seven new candidates, Salford, Widnes and the Celtic Crusaders all claim to be equally confident, although there is a minority view that Toulouse are coming up on the rails and that Wakefield are not entirely safe.
Paul Cooke's future at Hull KR is in limbo after his omission from the side that lost to Hull on Sunday. His coach, Justin Morgan, claimed that he had been left out because he was not fit, but declined to confirm or deny that he had been sent home from training for disciplinary reasons last week.
Rovers' players have this week off and the club said there would be no comment on Cooke's future. Hull, his former club, have already said that if he leaves the Robins they do not want him back.
Danny McGuire could be ruled out of Leeds' Challenge Cup semi-final against St Helens by this evening's disciplinary hearing. The stand-off faces a charge of making a high tackle in the Rhinos' win at the Catalan Dragons.
Wigan could be without two players against Huddersfield on Friday. Apart from Michael McIlorum, who was sent off for a high tackle on Saints' Ade Gardner, Richie Mathers faces a charge of striking over the incident that left Lee Gilmour concussed.
Wigan have admitted that Karl Pryce will not play for them this season because of the foot injury that has plagued him since his arrival from Gloucester. "The player is very much in our thoughts for the future, but he's not right yet," said his coach, Brian Noble.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments